Category Archives: parents

Eyes in the Back of my Head

Posted on October 10, 2015 by maryannniemczura

Young children sometimes think their parents and teachers have a super power, a way of knowing and seeing things even when their backs are turned. Using humor, they explain to children that they have these eyes in the back of … Continue reading →

Posted in children, eyes in the back of the head, laughter, medicine, parents, schools in Germany, teachers | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Free German University Study for American Students

Posted on February 21, 2015 by maryannniemczura

It’s that time of the year in our American school district for 6th graders and their parents to make decisions regarding which world language to study. I would like to offer reasons to study German. The emphasis these days is … Continue reading →

Posted in 6th grade registration for world languages, About the book, Colorado, education, Foreign Language Learning, Free German University Study for American students, Fulbright Teacher Exchange, Germany, languages, Massachusetts, parents, preparing world leaders, school, schools in Germany, Teaching, Teaching in Germany | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Our Lives Were Forever Changed

Posted on February 7, 2015 by maryannniemczura

During the first Fulbright Teacher Exchange Year in 1990-91 when I taught English as a Second Language in Neresheim, our son, Thomas, turned seven in February. His younger sister, Emily, turned three at the beginning of the Fulbright year in … Continue reading →

Posted in birthday celebration, children, customs in Germany, education, family, Fulbright, Fulbright Teacher Exchange, Germany, Oscar Mayer, parents, schools in Germany, Teaching, Teaching in Germany, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Quick thinking…

Posted on January 24, 2015 by maryannniemczura

As part of being a teacher, parent and a mother, I have grown accustomed to “assuming blame” when something has been misplaced or heaven forbid moved somewhere such as sweaters or a sock. Even my husband claims he put in … Continue reading →

Posted in : Critical Thinking, languages, life lessons, Mother, parents, Problem Solving, Teaching, Thinking Outside the Box | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Languages Reveal Cultures

Posted on January 17, 2015 by maryannniemczura

As a German language educator for some forty-eight years now, I am still intrigued with languages and words and recall as a young girl in Massachusetts how we used certain words for everyday things. When I was ten and moved … Continue reading →

Posted in children, Colorado, education, family, Foreign Language Learning, Fulbright Teacher Exchange, influences in life, languages, Massachusetts, parents, rural America, school, South, Sturbridge, Teaching, Teaching in Germany, Western Massachusetts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Meaning of Family

Posted on November 29, 2014 by maryannniemczura

What is a family? We could attempt to define this within the contours of logic, but it would only be a concept in the mind. And concepts typically don’t compel us to travel vast distances to be with our families … Continue reading →

Posted in family, gratitude, impermanence, life lessons, love, Musings, parents, People, Thanksgiving | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Nostalgic Reminiscences

Posted on November 8, 2014 by maryannniemczura

Windswept landscapes abound in Central New York and in Colorado. I am reminded of zigzagging tumbleweeds choking driveways and highways in the West while here in Upstate New York, we prepare for winter’s harsh onslaught of weather. The last place … Continue reading →

Posted in About the book, birthday celebrations at school, education, Fall, family, friends, May Day tradition, Nostalgia, parents, People | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Remembering him today

Posted on October 18, 2014 by maryannniemczura

Today is the anniversary of my Dad’s death. He died Oct. 18, 1990 when I was a Fulbright teacher in Neresheim, Germany with our two young children along.  According to his wishes one month earlier in a phone conversation,  I … Continue reading →

Posted in faith, family, family stories, funeral Mass, Nostalgia, parents, People, Teaching in Germany | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Dad and I

Posted on October 11, 2014 by maryannniemczura

It has been about 24 years since my Dad died, but it seems only yesterday. It was at his urging that my sisters and I studied abroad. I chose Germany and spent almost three years in Heidelberg. When he asked … Continue reading →

Posted in education, faith, family, life lessons, Nostalgia, parents | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Grateful to my parents

Posted on October 4, 2014 by maryannniemczura

  Fall is a time for reflection as I gaze on the warm colors nature has provided me, the family and friends I have, and for the education I received. There are no half measures when it comes to education. … Continue reading →

Posted in education, Fall, family, Foreign Language Learning, Fulbright Teacher Exchange, parents, Teaching in Germany | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment